Adufe was a young woman who lived in a lively city filled with ambition and dreams. She was known for her dedication and determination. From a very young age, she learned that hard work and perfection were the keys to success. She did well in school, graduated with honours, and landed a prestigious job at a renowned marketing firm.
Adufe’s life seemed perfect to the outside world. She was always on top of her game, even among her peers, delivering impeccable results at work, maintaining a spotless flat, and even managing to keep up with her fitness routine. Yet, despite her achievements, Adufe felt a persistent sense of dissatisfaction. She would lie awake at night, replaying the day’s events and berating herself for any small mistake she might have made.
One particularly stressful week, Adufe was assigned a major project. She poured all her energy into it, working late nights and skipping meals. Despite her efforts, the presentation didn’t go as planned. The client’s feedback was lukewarm, and Adufe felt like a failure. She went home that night, tears streaming down her face, overwhelmed by the pressure she had put on herself.
As she sat on her sofa, her phone buzzed with a message from her best friend, Adeola. Sensing Adufe’s distress, Adeola invited her for a walk in the park the next morning. Reluctantly, Adufe agreed, thinking a change of scenery might help.
The next morning, as they strolled through the tranquil park, Adeola listened patiently to Adufe’s worries. After Adufe finished, Adeola said, “Adufe, you need to stop being so hard on yourself. You have done amazing things, but you are human. It is okay to make mistakes and to have days that aren’t perfect.”
Adufe looked at Adeola, feeling a mix of relief and doubt. “But how do I let go of this constant need to be perfect?”
Adeola smiled and pointed to a tree nearby. “Do you see that tree? It’s not perfectly straight, some of its branches are crooked, and it has scars from storms. Yet, it’s still standing tall, providing shade and beauty. It’s perfectly imperfect. Just like that tree, you have your own unique strength and beauty, even with your imperfections.”
For the first time, Adufe felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She realised that her worth wasn’t tied to her achievements or her ability to avoid mistakes. She decided to take Adeola’s advice to heart and started practising self-compassion.
In the following weeks, Adufe made small changes. She allowed herself to take breaks, asked for help when she needed it, and celebrated her successes, no matter how small. Gradually, she noticed a shift in her mindset. She became more resilient, creative, and happier.
One day, Adufe was assigned another major project. This time, she approached it with a newfound sense of balance. She worked hard, but also took time to rest and recharge. The presentation was a success, but more importantly, Adufe felt proud of herself regardless of the outcome.
Adufe’s journey taught her that self-compassion is not a sign of weakness but a source of strength. She unlocked her true potential and found deeper fulfilment by being kinder to herself. She learned that life isn’t about being perfect, but embracing our imperfections and thriving because of them.
Omo Jigaloye September 2024
#self-compassion #dreambig #dontbesohardonyourself #success